I think they're going to eventually cave in. The NHL needs any success stories it can cultivate. Copps in Hamilton isn't exactly a modern arena and it would cer

I think they're going to eventually cave in. The NHL needs any success stories it can cultivate. Copps in Hamilton isn't exactly a modern arena and it would certainly leave Glendale with an empty arena with no major league team in it...and I can understand Bettman not wanting to alienate a market that built a facility for his (poorly thought out) southern strategy, but I think Team Canada will eventually prevail in this one, as to the casual fan, there's little reason to keep teams in places that aren't successful. I hope it's the domino effect necessary to remove a few other teams in bad markets over the next few years. Couple that with a TV deal that actually makes sense or gives the league more exposure and I think NHL could solidify itself back into somewhat of the mainstream. It's still more popular than MLS and that's the only fringe threat for 4th major sport status and I doubt that'll change given MLS will never be the home to the best players in the world unless a lot of rich people start buying MLS franchises and decide to turn the league into their version of the EPL.